Sydney FC has received a boost ahead of its crucial Hyundai A-League clash with the Queensland Roar, with rapidly rising star, Shannon Cole committing to the club until March 2012.

Sydney FC has received a boost ahead of its crucial Hyundai A-League clash with the Queensland Roar, with rapidly rising star, Shannon Cole committing to the club until March 2012.

The three-year deal is the latest milestone in what-s been a fairy-tale week for Cole, who on Wednesday was included in the extended Socceroos- squad for Australia-s upcoming World Cup qualifying clash with Qatar.

“My head-s been spinning some days,” he said. “It-s hard just to focus on training sometimes with so many things going on, but this has settled me down a lot having made this decision and having everything finalised.”

The former Sydney Olympic State League player was a man in high demand, having burst onto the scene at the start of the Hyundai A-League season, but he was keen to stay a part of Sydney FC-s successful program.

“I guess I had some decisions to think about and not rush into anything, but I-m happy that I made the right decision,” the 24-year-old explained. “I-d like to think that there is some loyalty in the game and the club gave me a chance which I believe I-ve taken.”

“I-m just going to keep doing what I-ve always done before I signed with Sydney and work really hard and try and learn as much as I can. If you-re always improving and putting in the effort you can-t go too wrong.”

Cole will be keen to continue his fine form tomorrow when the Sky Blues play host to the red-hot Roar.

Having suffered their first stumble of the season last week against the Wellington Phoenix, he and his Sydney team-mates will be determined to return to the winners list in what-s sure to be a high-class encounter at the Sydney Football Stadium.

Sydney FC-s Youth League will start proceedings when they begin their campaign against Queensland in the curtain-raiser at 4:15pm.

The Hyundai A-League contest will follow, with kick off at 7:00pm.